Experts urge policy integration of stewardship for sustainable agriculture

Agricultural scientists and environmentalists have called for a well-structured stewardship policy to promote responsible pesticide use, encourage pollinator-friendly farming techniques, and raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity in agriculture.

During a seminar on sustainable agriculture, organised by Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) today in the capital, they highlighted that 70% of Bangladesh's crops depend on pollination, yet the uncontrolled use of pesticides is severely endangering pollinators, such as honeybees.

This poses a significant environmental threat and jeopardizes the future of agricultural growth in the country, they added.

The experts urged the government to collaborate with all stakeholders—farmers, researchers, and policymakers—to implement eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Prof Abu Noman Faruq Ahmmed from Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University presented the keynote paper, defining stewardship as the safe, sustainable, and responsible management of agricultural resources.

He stressed the importance of sustainable practices in agriculture to protect both the environment and human health.

"Raising farmer awareness, offering training, and promoting best practices are key to mitigating environmental risks, preserving soil fertility, and maintaining climate balance—critical components for sustainable agricultural development," Prof Ahmmed said.

Mohammed Shahidul Islam, director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Syngenta, addressed the role of stewardship in achieving Bangladesh's target of $5 billion in agricultural exports by 2030.

He said that while farmers work tirelessly, there is insufficient focus on their health, and the excessive use of pesticides is harmful. "We must prioritise stewardship to safeguard both our farmers and the environment," he stated.

Ferdaus Ara Begum, CEO of BUILD, emphasised the need to integrate stewardship into Bangladesh's pesticide policies to promote agricultural sustainability.

"A collaborative effort between government and private sector stakeholders is crucial for effective stewardship, ensuring a safer and more prosperous future for Bangladesh. This aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 on responsible consumption and production," she stated.

Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, stated that the government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, is focusing on sustainable agriculture to address future food crises.

"We are not meeting our agricultural production targets due to a lack of modern technology. Without self-sufficiency, global trade will be challenging. We must boost production to prevent a famine like 1974," he emphasised.

He noted that despite its small size, the Netherlands exports €140 billion in agricultural products yearly due to advanced technology. Prof Yunus has discussed increasing Bangladesh's agricultural output with the Dutch Ambassador.

Shafiqul stressed the need for sustainable agriculture, calling it essential for the country's survival.